MLB

Japanese Slugger Murakami to Bring Big Bat, Questionable Defense to MLB

Recently posted 25-year-old has a lot of pop, but likely faces major adjustment to major leagues.
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Japanese Slugger Murakami to Bring Big Bat, Questionable Defense to MLB
Munetaka Murakami #55 of Team Japan celebrates after hitting a two-run double to defeat Team Mexico 6-5 in the World Baseball Classic Semifinals at LoanDepot park in Miami, on March 20, 2023. Eric Espada/Getty Images
John E. Gibson
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Home runs can be game-changing moments, and a potential momentum-swinging slugger is set to make the jump from Japan to the big leagues.

Tokyo Yakult Swallows big bopper Munetaka Murakami, 25, has entered the posting system—the means by which Nippon Professional Baseball players move to Major League Baseball—and the race is on for a relatively young bat with potential to be a difference-maker.

John E. Gibson
John E. Gibson
Author
John E. Gibson has covered pro baseball in Japan for about 20 years and brings great knowledge and insight across the sports spectrum. His experience includes stints at The Orange County Register, The Inland Valley Daily Bulletin, The Redlands Daily Facts and The Yomiuri Shimbun’s English newspaper in Tokyo.